Murphy honored with square dance award

“Square dancing is a good way to exercise the body and mind,” said Murphy.Murphy grew up in McCook, NE and has been active in square dance ever since. It became a family activity for her children and herself even before they moved to the St. James area in 1976.

Leora Murphy of St. James was honored this year at the State Square Dance Convention for her dedication to square dance in the State of Minnesota.

Murphy has been square dancing since 1947 and she said she has no plans of retiring any time soon.

“Square dancing is a good way to exercise the body and mind,” said Murphy.

Murphy grew up in McCook, NE and has been active in square dance ever since. It became a family activity for her children and herself even before they moved to the St. James area in 1976.

When they finally settled in St. James, Murphy had been dancing for nearly 20 years. She quickly joined the Allemand Anska Club and started to cue round dance for the club. Her work with Allemand Anska helped get the Twisters Square Dance Club going again. That club was known as the Swinging Saints until it folded in 2004.

Murphy continues to renew her State Square Dance license and has been a member of the Minnesota Round Dance Council since 1976. After dancing more than 66 years, Murphy continues to dance and promote the activity she loves throughout Minnesota.